Can't think of a witty title:D (B&W conv. ?)

[sheila3]

Hey everyone! Was playing with my pictures. Thought this one of my daughter was a good candidate for B&W. Just wondering about the conversion. Is there enough B&W or still just grays? And also I've seen people call their B&W conversions muddy. What does that mean? Any other input welcome! Thanx so much!




Taken with Canon EOS Rebel Xs
50 mm
ISO 100
1/350
f/2.8
Exp bias 0 EV
Flash Off, did not fire

[MrJones]

Hi Sheila, nice picture
your B&W conversion still lacks a bit of contrast and it still doesn't have true whites in it.
I've edited it (hope you don't mind) to show you what I mean, of course in the end it's a matter of taste.
and when people say muddy, they mean exactly what you've asked - is it just grays?

[Peely22]

What software package do you use?
I've recently discovered SilverEfex as an addon to Photoshop and Lightroom.
Fantastic b&W results. really makes them 'pop'

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by MrJones

Hi Sheila, nice picture
your B&W conversion still lacks a bit of contrast and it still doesn't have true whites in it.
I've edited it (hope you don't mind) to show you what I mean, of course in the end it's a matter of taste.
and when people say muddy, they mean exactly what you've asked - is it just grays?

Thanx Mr. Jones! I like the edit. I definately see the difference

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by Peely22

What software package do you use?
I've recently discovered SilverEfex as an addon to Photoshop and Lightroom.
Fantastic b&W results. really makes them 'pop'

I use photoshop. I will have to check out silverefex. thanx for tip

[SusanH1970]

Sheila, would you mind posting a color version for a play? Preferably a SOOC, if you have it.

[sheila3]

Well upped the contrast a bit...better? I've been staring at it so long I can't tell anymore

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Sheila, would you mind posting a color version for a play? Preferably a SOOC, if you have it.

Sure...here ya go...



Looking forward to your edit Thanx for helping.

[Niresangwa]

Hopefully you don't mind me editing this, but seeing as though Susan requested the sooc, I couldnt resist, given how great a shot it is...



Simply my standard b&w high contrast action, touched up with levels (better option than contrast I find, as it gives more control)...

...to give it a little depth, consider using the colour balance adjustment.. slightly boost the shadows (cyan & blue) slightly boost the highlights (red and yellow) by about +/-7 in their respective directions and either leave the midtones, or move them towards red & yellow to warm it, or blues to slightly cool it.

The use of tiny variations using the colour balance really made a difference for me in my B&W's which I use about 50/50 with colour images.

Overall though, I really like this shot. The framing is just wonderful.

fyi I didn't punch up the whites of the eyes or the catchlights (which are exquisite)... they were great just as they were.

[SusanH1970]

Hi Sheila! Thanks for posting a SOOC and letting me have a play.

The white balance was quite a bit off, so I opened in ACR and slid the temperature slider towards blue to cool it down. I also bumped the exposure a tiny bit and I added a touch of contrast in ACR as well.

In CS2, I used the patch tool under her eyes and faded to about 60-65%. It was still lacking a bit of contrast, so I did a soft light layer at around 70% to give the background some punch, and masked her back in.

For the BW conversion, I just did my usual gradient map, then did a levels adjustment layer to brighten the midtones and darken the blacks just a touch.

Hope you like it.!

Your SOOC:


Color edit:


BW Conversion: